Project Cost and Control Flashcards

(120 cards)

1
Q

REFERS TO THE TOTAL FINANCIAL
RESOURCES
REQUIRED
COMPLETE A PROJECT
TO
IT ENCOMPASSES ALL EXPENSES RELATED TO
LABOR, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES,
AND CONTINGENCY PLANS.

A

PROJECT COST

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2
Q

ARE EXPENSES THAT CAN BE DIRECTLY TRACED TO
THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.

A

DIRECT COST

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3
Q

wages, salaries, and benefits of workers,
engineers, and subcontractors working on-site

A

Labor Costs

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4
Q

cement, steel, sand, gravel, lumber, and
other materials required for construction.

A

Materials Costs

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5
Q

rental or purchase of heavy machinery such
as excavators, cranes, concrete mixers, and trucks

A

Equipment Costs

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6
Q

ARE EXPENSES THAT SUPPORT THE PROJECT BUT ARE NOT
DIRECTLY TIED TO SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.

A

INDIRECT COST

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7
Q

utilities, office rent, project management
expenses, and insurance

A

Overhead Costs

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8
Q

salaries of office staff, engineers, and
accountants managing the project.

A

Administrative Costs

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9
Q

reserved funds for unexpected issues such
as price fluctuations, weather delays, or design changes.

A

Contingency Costs

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10
Q

_________REMAIN CONSTANT REGARDLESS OF
PROJECT PROGRESS. THESE INCLUDE:
Salaries of permanent staff
Equipment rentals (if leased for a fixed period)
Office expenses (utilities, rent, insurance)

A

FIXED COSTS

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11
Q

___________CHANGE DEPENDING ON PROJECT
ACTIVITIES AND PROGRESS. THESE INCLUDE:
Labor wages (overtime or additional workers)
Material costs (based on quantity used)
Fuel and electricity consumption for machinery

A

VARIABLE COSTS

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12
Q

IS THE PROCESS OF MONITORING AND
MANAGING PROJECT EXPENSES TO
ENSURE THAT THEY STAY WITHIN THE
APPROVED BUDGET

IT INVOLVES TRACKING ACTUAL COSTS, COMPARING
THEM WITH ESTIMATES, IDENTIFYING VARIANCES,
AND TAKING CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO PREVENT
COST OVERRUNS.

A

COST CONTROL

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13
Q

Ensures that
actual expenses
do not exceed
the allocated
budget

A

PREVENTS
BUDGET
OVERRUNS

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14
Q

Reducing
unnecessary
costs
maximizes
project profits.

A

IMPROVES
PROFITABILITY:

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15
Q

Proper
allocation of
materials,
labor, and
equipment
minimizes
waste

A

ENHANCES
RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT

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16
Q

Helps ensure
timely project
completion
without
financial
struggles

A

AVOIDS FINANCIAL
LOSSES AND
DELAYS

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17
Q

Well-managed
project costs
increase
credibility and
attract future
business

A

BUILDS CLIENT
AND INVESTOR
TRUST

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18
Q

ALSO KNOWN AS CONCEPTUAL ESTIMATES,
ARE ROUGH COST PROJECTIONS MADE IN THE
EARLY STAGES OF A PROJECT WHEN
DETAILED PLANS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
USED FOR FEASIBILITY STUDIES, BUDGET
PROPOSALS, AND PROJECT APPROVALS.

A

PRELIMINARY
ESTIMATES

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19
Q

IS A MORE ACCURATE COST CALCULATION
BASED ON FINALIZED DESIGNS, MATERIAL
SPECIFICATIONS, LABOR REQUIREMENTS, AND
EQUIPMENT COSTS.
INCLUDES UNIT COST BREAKDOWNS, SUPPLIER
QUOTES, AND POTENTIAL CONTINGENCIES.
USED FOR BIDDING, BUDGETING, AND
SECURING PROJECT FUNDING.

A

DETAILED
ESTIMATES

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20
Q

IS THE PROCESS OF MEASURING AND LISTING
THE QUANTITIES OF MATERIALS NEEDED FOR
A PROJECT BASED ON DRAWINGS AND
SPECIFICATIONS.
PRICING
ASSIGNS
COSTS
TO
THESE
QUANTITIES, CONSIDERING MATERIAL PRICES,
LABOR RATES, AND EQUIPMENT COSTS.

A

QUANTITY TAKEOFF
& PRICING

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21
Q

Fluctuations in material and
labor costs due to supply and demand

A

MARKET PRICES

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22
Q

Rising prices over time affect the
project’s total cost

A

INFLATION

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23
Q

Remote locations, poor soil
conditions, and difficult terrain increase costs

A

SITE CONDITIONS

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24
Q

________sets an initial
financial
plan
a
project based on detailed
cost estimates

A

Budgeting

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25
________ involves continuous monitoring and updating of financial projections based actual expenses project progress.
Forecasting
26
-A technique used to measure performance project by comparing planned work vs. actual work vs. costs incurred. -Helps determine if a project is ahead or behind schedule and under or over budget.
EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENT (EVM)
27
Compares budgeted costs with actual expenditures to identify discrepancies. Helps determine whether cost overruns are due to poor estimates, material wastage, or inefficient labor.
VARIANCE ANALYSIS (PLANNED VS. ACTUAL COSTS)
28
Involves regularly monitoring expenses to ensure spending aligns with the budget. Helps determine if a project is ahead or behind schedule and under or over budget.
COST TRACKING AND REPORTING
29
Used for large-scale construction projects to schedule and track costs
Primavera P6:
30
Helps in planning, scheduling, and managing project costs.
MS Project
31
Provide real-time cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting.
Procore, SAP, Buildertrend
32
a “deliverable oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be executed by the project team.” singlehandedly integrates scope, cost and schedule baselines ensuring that project plans are in alignment
WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE (WBS)
33
________- clearly demonstrates the relationship between the project deliverables (i.e., products, services or results) and the scope (i.e., work to be executed
Deliverable-Based Work Breakdown Structure
34
_________ are summary deliverable descriptions. _________ in each Leg of the WBS are all the unique deliverables required to create the respective Level 1 deliverable
Level 1 Elements, The Level 2 Elements
35
__________ requires work associated with multiple elements be divided into the work unique to each Level 1 Element. A _________ is created to describe the work in each Element.
A Phase-Based WBS, WBS Dictionary
36
. Regardless of the type of WBS, the lower Level Elements are all ________
deliverables.
37
the formal project document that provides detailed descriptions of key information for all Elements in the Work Breakdown Structure and must comply with the 100% Rule. The 100% Rule requires that the WBS captures 100% of the project scope
WBS DICTIONARY
38
Enter the WBS Title and identify it as a Work Package, Planning and/or Control Account.
WBS Code
39
Name the single organization, group or individual that has been assigned sole responsibility for making sure the Work Package is completed. Include contact information.
Responsible Organization/Individual
40
Define Work Package boundaries. Frame the scope content so that it is clear what scope is included and excluded. If it is a Planning Package, describe the known and unknown scope.
Description
41
Identify the product, service or results created when all of the work in this Work Package is complete. Include any critical intermediate deliverables.
Deliverables
42
Describe the functional and physical requirements in order to meet customer expectations and quality requirements. Include any unique approvals required for acceptance.
Acceptance Criteria
43
Designate the budget for this Work Package, plus any critical resource information and assumptions.
Budget
44
List any Start Dates, End Dates, Intermediate Milestones, Interdependencies, Constraints and any assumption for the deliverables.
Milestones
45
Include any known threats and opportunities with response strategies.
Risks
46
Describe any additional information, such as references, related work packages, etc.
Additional Information
47
Identify content containing project deliverables, such as the Project Charter, Scope Statement and Project Management Plan (PMP) subsidiary plans
Gather Critical Documents
48
Identify the appropriate project team members
Identify Key Team Members
49
Level 1 Elements are summary deliverable descriptions that must capture 100% of the project scope
Define Level 1 Elements
50
Begin the process of breaking the Level 1 deliverables into unique lower level deliverables. This “breaking down” technique is called _________-
Decomposition.
51
The descriptions should include information such as, boundaries, milestones, risks, owner, costs, etc.
Create WBS Dictionary
52
Export or enter the Work Breakdown Structure into a Gantt chart for further scheduling and project tracking
Create Gantt Chart Schedule
53
Task of employing available resources in a way that maximizes or minimizes specific objectives under a set of constraints.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND OPTIMIZATION
54
require organizations to collate, clean, transform, and model relevant data such that optimal allocation decisions can be made.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND OPTIMIZATION WORKFLOWS
55
__________-, which involves assigning and scheduling resources, is crucial for the economical and efficient use of manpower, materials, and equipment throughout the projec
Resource allocation
56
Identify the skills, expertise, and availability of team members, as well as any external resources needed for the project
Resource Planning
57
Allocate resources to critical tasks that contribute directly to project objectives, ensuring that key deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
Prioritization
58
Monitor resource capacity and workload to prevent overallocation or underutilization of resources.
Capacity Management
59
Assign team members to projects and tasks that align with their strengths and capabilities, maximizing efficiency and quality of work
Skill Matching
60
Use iterative planning approaches to adjust resource allocations dynamically based on evolving project requirements.
Flexible Scheduling
61
Collect feedback from team members, stakeholders, and project metrics to refine resource allocation strategies over time
Continuous Monitoring and Optimization
62
__________, also known as Value Management or Value Analysis
Value Engineering
63
one of the most effective techniques known to identify and eliminate unnecessary costs in product design, testing, manufacturing, construction, operations and maintenance.
Value Engineering
64
It is claimed that application of value engineering can result in a saving of about____________ of the construction costs
15 percent – 20 percent
65
the least cost required to provide the functions that are required by the user of the finished project
Worth
66
the total amount of money required to obtain and use the functions that have been specified
Cost
67
the relationship of worth to cost as realized by the owner, based on his needs and resources in any given situation
Value
68
_____________ is the process of identifying, documenting, evaluating, negotiating, and implementing change orders in a construction project. It involves communicating with all the stakeholders, such as the owner, the contractor, the architect, the engineer, and the subcontractors, to ensure that the changes are justified, feasible, and beneficial for the project. It also requires keeping track of the impact of the changes on the project's scope, quality, schedule, and budget, and updating the contract documents accordingly.
Change order management
69
when the change will not have a cost implication
zero cost change order
70
when the total cost change can be fully calculated
lump sum change order
71
when the quantity required cannot be fully calculated
unitary cost change orders
72
when the contractor can’t calculate the cost
time and material change orders
73
Also known as “Requirement Creep” or “Feature Creep”
SCOPE CREEP
74
refers to how a project’s requirements increase over the project lifecycle It happens when the boundaries of a project expand without proper checks. It is typically caused by key project stakeholders changing requirements or sometimes by internal miscommunication and disagreements
SCOPE CREEP
75
Costs fluctuate based on a wide variety of factors, most of which a contractor cannot fully control. These include tariffs, over-reliance on importation, infrastructural deficits, economic events, changes in supply and demand, and unfortunately, even profiteering. When production can’t keep up with demand, we see high prices; when production keeps up, prices stabilize; and when demand drops, we see low prices.
MATERIAL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS
76
Wrong cost estimation can cause construction to shut down for weeks, months, or even get dropped
Budget Inaccuracies
77
Many skilled workers laid off during the downturn left to take jobs in other industries
Labor Challenges
78
Effectively managing them, their timelines and schedules, compliance documentation, and collaborating with other contractors is vital to a project’s success
Subcontractor Schedules and Compliance
79
Understanding that extreme conditions can’t be controlled, allows you to be prepared, which can make a difference.
Poor Weather
80
Avoiding automation and relying on manual, labor-intensive processes ultimately leads to more human error, wasted time, and poor communication and coordination.
Slow Adoption of Construction Technologies
81
Whether it’s communication from the client, contractor, in the field or at the office, everyone should be apprised as new updates like change orders or redesigns
. Lacking Good Communication
82
Estimators rely heavily on historical data and accurate project information
Inadequate Data
83
Despite the use of advanced software, errors in inputting data or misinterpretation of project requirements can lead to inaccuracies
Human Error
84
Failing to include contingencies in estimates can result in financial setbacks when unforeseen challenges arise
Failure to Account for Contingencies
85
__________ are a set of tools, techniques, and processes used to manage and regulate project execution. They help project managers monitor and control six key constraints to ensure project success
Project controls
86
Ensures project activities are completed within the set schedule.
TIME MANAGEMENT
87
Focuses on budgeting, estimating, and controlling costs to prevent overspending
COST MANAGEMENT
88
Defines and controls the project’s deliverables and boundaries to prevent scope creep.
SCOPE MANAGEMENT
89
Ensures that project outputs meet required standards and stakeholder expectations
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
90
Identifies, assesses, and mitigates potential risks that could impact the project.
RISK MANAGEMENT
91
Allocates and optimizes manpower, materials, and equipment for efficiency.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
92
Effective____________relies on various tools and techniques to monitor, manage, and optimize project performance. Below are key project control methods used to ensure projects stay on track
project control
93
Establishes reference points for cost, scope, and schedule to track project progress against initial plans.
PROJECT BASELINES
94
Defines a systematic approach for identifying, assessing, and implementing project changes, ensuring stakeholders are informed
CHANGE CONTROL PLAN
95
A documented list of potential risks, their impact, and mitigation strategies to proactively address project uncertainties.
RISK REGISTER
96
A responsibility matrix that clarifies roles and accountability within a project, ensuring smooth coordination
RACI CHART
97
Outlines quality control processes and standards to maintain the expected level of project deliverables.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN
98
A regular update summarizing project progress, challenges, and key metrics to support informed decision-making.
PROJECT STATUS REPORT
99
Legally binding agreements that define project scope, responsibilities, and risk-sharing mechanisms.
PROJECT CONTRACTS
100
Tracks costs and financial progress in construction projects, allowing for effective budgeting and risk management
CONSTRUCTION WIP (WORKING IN PROGRESS) REPORT
101
- oversees the entire project and ensures alignment with project objectives while maintaining control over scope, schedule, cost, and quality - Monitor project performance and progress. - Ensure that project control methods are implemented effectively - Report on project status, forecasting, and variances regularly
PROJECT MANAGER
102
- Manages cost estimation, budgeting, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle - Prepare detailed cost estimates for each phase of the project - Monitor expenditures and ensure they with approved budget. - Identify cost saving opportunities through value engineering.
COST ENGINEER
103
- Develops, monitors, and updates the project schedule to ensure timely delivery. - Create a detailed baseline schedule using tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project - Monitor and update the schedule based on progress and unforeseen delays. - Conduct schedule risk analysis and recommend adjustments
SCHEDULER/PLANNER
104
- Execute the physical construction work as specified in the project plan - perform construction activities within the agreed timeline and budget - ensure compliance with contractual obligation - communicate challenges and progress to the project manager
CONTRACTORS/SUBCONTRACTORS
105
- Provide the technical design and specifications required for project execution - develop and deliver detailed designs, drawings, and specifications - review and approve submittals for materials and equipment - collaborate with the project team o resolve technical challenges
DESIGN TEAM
106
Uncontrolled changes or additions to the project scope can arise due to poorly defined project requirements, client demands, or unclear communication
SCOPE CREEP
107
Insufficient availability of skilled labor, equipment, or materials can hinder project progress
RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS
108
Misestimating project costs during the planning phase due to incomplete data or unforeseen variables
INACCURATE COST ESTIMATION
109
Delays caused by unforeseen circumstances, such as weather, supply chain disruptions, or design revisions.
SCHEDULE DELAYS
110
Complex and evolving regulations in engineering disciplines (e.g., safety, environmental, or building codes)
REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE ISSUES
111
Failure to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively during the project lifecycle.
POOR RISK MANAGEMENT
112
Ineffective communication between stakeholders, contractors, and project teams
COMMUNICATION ISSUES
113
BEST PRACTICES FOR PROJECT CONTROL
COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT PLANNING EFFECTIVE BUDGET CONTROL AND COST MANAGEMENT LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER CONTROL OPTIMIZED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT REGULAR PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND REPORTING
114
__________- is a project management technique used to shorten the project duration by allocating additional resources to critical tasks. This is done to meet deadlines or recover from delays while minimizing cost overruns
Crash scheduling
115
Generally results in increase of the overall cost, challenge faced by the project manager is to identify the activities to crash and the duration reduction for each activity. Such that project crashing is done in the least expensive manner possible
crash scheduling
116
The __________ refers to the estimated activity duration used with CPM or PERT in the computation of earliest to latest start or finish times
normal time
117
The _________ referes to the activity cost under the normal activity time.
normal cost
118
The __________refers to the shortest possible time to complete an activity with additional resources.
crash time
119
The __________ refers to the activity cost under the crashing activity time.
crashing cost
120
_________ increase as project duration decreases. ____________ increase as production duration increases.
Crashing costs, Indirect costs